Though they shot just 39.3 percent from the field in the first half, the
Panthers knocked down 6-of-13 from beyond the 3-point arc, as they went into
halftime leading 33-27. SEMO connected on 42.3 percent of its field goal
tries, but made only 3-of-12 from 3-point range.

After the break, the Redhawks were much more effective from long distance,
hitting on 6-of-13 tries from 3-point distance, as part of a 43.3 percent
shooting performance after halftime. The Panthers continued to struggle from
the field, shooting just 34.5, including 2-of-9 from 3-point range. Trailing
by seven, 40-33, early in the second half, the Redhawks used a 17-4 run to go
up six midway through the half. The teams traded leads from then on. Blanford
sank two free throws with six seconds left in regulation to knot the score at
61-61. A Smith 3-point try at the buzzer to win it was off the mark and the
teams went into overtime.

In the extra session, Smith knocked down a 3-pointer to give the Redhawks a
67-66 lead with 1:32 to play in overtime. The Panthers responded with eight
unanswered points to go ahead for good and pull out the victory, giving them
their first three-game winning streak of the season.

EIU dominated on the boards, outrebounding SEMO 50-34. The Panthers outscored
the Redhawks at the free-throw line, 23-5.